Kochi: In a significant development for the Malayalam film industry, the Kerala High Court has given the Special Investigation Team (SIT) 10 days to submit its report on the Hema Committee findings, which investigated allegations of sexual harassment and safety violations in the cinema sector.
The court’s firm directive comes amid growing public concern over the delay in action on the committee’s recommendations. The Hema Committee, led by former High Court judge Justice Hema, had submitted its report in 2020, exposing disturbing lapses in the protection of women and vulnerable workers in the industry. Despite the gravity of its contents, the report has not yet been made public, prompting criticism from civil society and women’s rights groups.
During the latest hearing, the Kerala government informed the court that it plans to hold a Cinema Conclave in August to deliberate on the committee’s findings. This will be followed by the introduction of new legislation aimed at film industry reforms, including improved safety protocols, a grievance redressal system, and structural changes.
The High Court’s move is expected to increase pressure on both the government and the film industry to take concrete action and ensure long-overdue justice and reform in Kerala’s influential cinema space.
